Report on IAMLT World Congress 2002

Allow me to take this opportunity to thank the Executive Committee to support me to attend the 25th IAMLT World Congress 2002 in Orlando, USA on behalf of our Association. This year is quite unique because the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science has joined the International Association of Medical Laboratory Technologists to provide an outstanding week of continuing education and professional contacts. The Organizing Committee has done a lot of work in providing programs that are very informative and entertaining. The Congress attracted more than 700 medical technologists/scientists from different parts of the world. Two distinctive speakers, Drs. Nick Hall and Raymond Zillinkas were invited for the plenary lectures, and many other distinctive scholars and experts from different parts of the world. The Conference program includes pre-conference workshop, educational seminars, scientific sessions, roundtables, and poster sessions. A total of four workshops were presented at the Conference. The scientific sessions and roundtables included 9 specific disciplines: Laboratory Administration, Biochemistry/Urinalysis/Ligand, Consultants, Education, General/Interdisciplinary, Hematology/Hemostasis, Immunology/Immunohematology, Microbiology, and Professional Society Development. These programs provided the participants opportunity to enhance their skills in a given area, updating of current concepts and technology, while earning additional approved continuing education credits. This is mandatory for practicing medical laboratory technologists. As usual, apart from educational session, the conference is packed with governance meetings. At the IAMLT General Assembly of Delegates, it was resolved that the new name for IAMLT would become IFBMLS, International Federation of Biomedical Laboratory Sciences. The headquarter will be moving to Hamilton, Canada. The next World Congress will be held in Switzerland in 2004, and in Korea in 2006. The Conference ended in a friendly atmosphere at the Farewell Party.

Reported by Dr. Daniel CC Tam, Hon. Secretary.